The History of Knives and Their Link to Osaka

Osaka has long been a city of craftsmanship, commerce, and cuisine. Among its many artisanal traditions, knife-making holds a special place, deeply intertwined with Japan’s blacksmithing heritage. The history of knives in Osaka is closely linked to Sakai, a city just south of Osaka, renowned for producing some of the finest Japanese kitchen knives in the world.

The origins of Sakai’s knife-making tradition date back to the 16th century, when Portuguese traders introduced tobacco to Japan. Sakai’s blacksmiths, who had already mastered sword-making techniques, began forging specialized knives for cutting tobacco leaves. The exceptional quality of these blades earned them official endorsement from the Tokugawa shogunate, cementing Sakai’s reputation as Japan’s top knife-producing region.

As the Edo period (1603–1868) brought stability, demand for swords declined, and blacksmiths pivoted toward crafting kitchen knives. Osaka, known as "the kitchen of the nation" due to its thriving food culture, became the perfect market for these precision tools. The city’s merchants and chefs sought high-quality blades for preparing the region’s famed cuisine, such as sushi, takoyaki, and kushikatsu.

Today, Sakai knives remain highly prized by professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts worldwide. Walking through Osaka’s historic markets, visitors can still find traditional knife shops selling handcrafted blades made using centuries-old techniques.

At HungryOsaka Tours, we celebrate this rich heritage by introducing visitors to Osaka’s food culture and craftsmanship. Whether you’re exploring local markets or enjoying a hands-on cooking experience, you’ll gain insight into how these legendary knives have shaped Osaka’s culinary traditions. Join us for an unforgettable journey through history, food, and craftsmanship in Japan’s kitchen capital!